Joe Ortiz' THE END TIMES PASSOVER! This is one of Joe's blog sites which is the title to one of his books that refute the Rapture to Heaven mythology. Ours is "Empowerment" theology, Not "Replacement" ~
The Old Testament church was not to be replaced, but it would be embolden. (Matthew 16:18; Isa. 49:13-23; 60:1 4). "Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar, (Proverbs 30:5-6)."

Monday, December 23, 2013

[Please, unless you are a serious student of the Rapture Theory, one who examines as much evidence as possible to verify various claims made by others concerning God's word, you should not even bother to read this post.]Click> Prologue to The End Times PassoverThe debate as to what point in the so-called Great Tribulation Jesus decides to return to Rapture His church to Heaven has been the biggest monkey wrench in eschatological history.

The three main theories include Jesus experiencing what theorists call them a Pre, Mid or Post-Trib return (many now throw in a "Pre-Wrath theory into the mix), and all of these doctrinal positions are based on the assumption that there is a seven year period in the future that theorists now call "The Great Tribulation." This phrase has become extremely popular by most modern-day evangelical Christians, and has been coined as a pronoun (as if it is indeed a true fact) primarily by those who support the Premillennial Dispensationalism doctrine, which is based on numerous theories they have developed on their interpretation of certain prophecies found in the Book of Daniel.

The dispensational interpretation begins the 490 years with the permission Artaxerxes I Longimanus gave to NehemiahNehemiah 2:5-8. This is dated by most dispensationalists to 445 BCE (e.g. Sir Robert Anderson), but by some to 444 BCE. The “messiah” at the end of the 7+62 weeks is Jesus Christ, but because 7+62 = 69 weeks = 483 years from 445/4 BCE would extend to about CE 40—far beyond the lifetime of Christ—the 483 years are reduced to 476 years by interpreting these 490 years as "prophetic years" each consisting of only 360 literal days. Consequently the 483 years end with the crucifixion in CE 33 or 32. The 70th week is separated from the 69th week by a vast gap of over nineteen centuries. The entire "church age" is a gap during which the prophetic clock has stopped ticking. The 70th week does not start until the end of the church age, when the church will be "raptured” from the earth. During the 70th week the Antichrist—a revived Roman tyrant that will oppose God—will oppress the Jews and bring upon the world, during the latter half of a delayed seventieth week, a 3½ year tribulation.

The dispensational interpretation of the chronological scheme of Daniel 9:24-27 is very widely used today in the English-speaking world and beyond. Of the leading voices the following are representative JA Seiss,[45] Sir Robert Anderson,[46]The Scofield Reference Bible;[47] LS Chafer;[48] AJ McClain[49] and HA Ironside.[50]

One can very well imagine how complex and confusing these theories have become. Nevertheless, they have been taught at most seminaries and churches throughout the country, since 1917, adding to the theological confusion, and driving even serious students down rabbit holes they will never be able to escape from. Bottom line, through numerous acts of juxtaposing certain scripture, developing many formula of the various numbers mentioned in the Book of Daniel, theorists throughout history have come to agree that out of all of these numerical theories, humanity will have to deal with a specific period of seven long years of persecution and wrath, called "The Great Tribulation."

However, these theorists contend that born again believers will be spared these horrors because somewhere in between those seven years, Jesus will supposedly come out of Heaven (in secret, no less) and "catch up" His church to have a meeting in the sky with Him, and then will be whisked up to heaven to avoid the impending horror that all of mankind will experience because they did not trust in Jesus Christ!

In an effort to help serious students of the Bible (especially the eschatological aspects) I am hereby posting the "Prologue" to my book, The End Times Passover, which contains keys that will help put these various theories into proper perspective, and hopefully remove any notions that the phrases "Pre, Mid, Post" and even "Pre-Wrath" should even be considered in the discussion.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

A true friend never fails, no matter what. A true brother is always ready to help in time of need or trouble. King Solomon described excellent friends and brothers in very few words. You must ask if you are such a friend, and you must ask if you have such friends.

Two are better than one! The solitary life is lonely and vain. Good friends help in four ways – they share in successes, they help when you fall, they provide encouragement and synergy, and they help oppose enemies (Eccl 4:9-12). Successful men have great friends.

Such friends are not found easily; they are a blessing from God. And such friends must be carefully preserved by careful efforts (Pr 27:10) and sincere friendliness (Pr 18:24; Jn 15:15). If you deeply offend a friend, it may be very hard to recover them (Pr 18:19). Look for friends among zealous saints (Ps 101:4-8; 119:63; Titus 1:8). They are won by a pure heart and gracious speech (Pr 22:11; I Sam 18:1). Holy living brings holy friends.

Jonathan and David were friends. Jonathan loved David as his own soul (I Sam 18:1-4). David described Jonathan’s love as greater than that of women (II Sam 1:26). There was no competition or envy between them. They strengthened each other in the Lord (I Sam 23:16). Back to back with swords, no enemy could touch them! Face to face, no lovers could match their affection! Their covenant of friendship, in life and death, was glorious.

Men say, “Blood is thicker than water,” meaning family ties are stronger than friendship or marriage. But the sons of God know better. They say, “Blood is thicker than blood,” meaning the bond in Christ, by His blood, is stronger than the bond of family. The best marriages are when a man marries his sister – his friend in the Lord (I Cor 9:5). No man has forsaken family for Christ that did not find a better, larger family (Luke 18:28-30).

Saints make the best friends, for God forms their souls identically. They fear the LORD, believe the truth, adore Jesus Christ, follow Bible wisdom in life, have true love in their hearts, and know they will spend eternity together. They exhort and rebuke each other to perfection, which is sweeter than kisses (Pr 27:5-6,9). The world cannot know such unity!

It did not matter Paul was on trial for his life, Luke was there (II Tim 4:11). It did not matter Jesus was crucified by rabid Jews, John was there (John 19:26-27). Fair weather friends, as they are called, are never there when you need them (Pr 14:20; 19:4). Demas evilly deserted Paul, but Timothy more than made up for it (II Tim 4:10; Phil 2:19-22).

What kind of a friend are you? The first lesson of this proverb is to examine yourself to see if you are the only kind of friend that counts. What kind of friends do you have? The second lesson is to examine your friends and make sure you have the good kind.

Jesus of Nazareth, reigning as King on David’s throne, is the greatest Friend. He gave His life for you; He lives to make intercession for you; He will never leave or forsake you.

Last, but not least, classical theologian scholar, Matthew Henry, had this to say about “What Is a True Friendship?”:

“This intimates the strength of those bonds by which we are bound to each other and which we ought to be sensible of. 1. Friends must be constant to each other at all times. That is not true friendship which is not constant; it will be so if it be sincere, and actuated by a good principle. Those that are fanciful or selfish in their friendship will love no longer than their humour is pleased and their interest served, and therefore their affections turn with the wind and change with the weather. Swallow-friends, that fly to you in summer, but are gone in winter; such friends there is no loss of. But if the friendship be prudent, generous, and cordial, if I love my friend because he is wise, and virtuous, and good, as long as he continues so, though he fall into poverty and disgrace, still I shall love him. Christ is a friend that loves at all times (Jn. 13:1) and we must so love him, Rom. 8:35. 2. Relations must in a special manner be careful and tender of one another in affliction: A brother is born to succour a brother or sister in distress, to whom he is joined so closely by nature that he may the more sensibly feel from their burdens, and be the more strongly inclined and engaged, as it were by instinct, to help them. We must often consider what we were born for, not only as men, but as in such a station and relation. Who knows but we came into such a family for such a time as this? We do not answer the end of our relations if we do not do the duty of them. Some take it thus: A friend that loves at all times is born (that is, becomes) a brother in adversity, and is so to be valued. "

Interestingly it is that the word “friend” is closely associated to what Jesus said was the greatest form of love there is!

“ Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends, (John 15:13).

Saturday, December 07, 2013

Believe it or not, millions of Christians swear there will be at least two or more! They base this on erroneous Bible exegesis, using Revelations 20:5-6, which states: (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years."

Based on this verse alone, they believe that if there is a "first" resurrection, there must also be a "second" one or even more. They don't trust the specific word of God, they would rather trust the many authors, teachers and preachers who promote these false notions.If they were to closely examine the true meaning of the word "first" in Revelations 20:5, they would learn that the Greek word used here is (protos) and it defines the word "best, chief, principal and first in rank or quality." It is not describing the word in numerical nor chronological order (such as day 1, day 2, day 3, etc.). If that were the case, the word to describe the amount of days would require using the Greek word "mia." Obviously, the word "first" is best understood in the qualitative sense rather than a sequential number. Obviously, the "best" way (not the 1st time a person is) to be resurrected is through Jesus Christ, which is far better than being resurrected to face eternal condemnation. We all have to die once, as it is appointed, unless you happen to be alive when Jesus returns. Those alive at that time will be changed along with those who have already experienced the first death. Therefore, they (believers) do not have to experience the second death because they shared in the first (best) resurrection when they accepted the gift of salvation and chose to repent and follow Jesus. Sadly, so many novice Bible students (and teachers) claim the only way we can get a clearer and more succinct understanding of Bible words is solely through hearing the direct voice of the Holy Spirit. They say they don't trust anyone else but the Holy Spirit. Supposedly, by making such a statement they believe they are more correct when they interpret scripture and they can't trust anyone else. So much for those elders we are instructed to study under:

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching; for the scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages. (1 Timothy 5:17-18 RSV).

They fail to recognize that the Holy Spirit does bring scripture to remembrance, does confirm the message from God, as well as guides us (student and teacher alike) through a sound study of God's specific words.

Unfortunately, those who believe in more than one resurrection fail to see how misinterpreting one small word (first as opposed to the best), fall into the trap of having to support the "Two Resurrection" theory, one at the so-called Rapture to Heaven event, and then another seven years later. They disregard the scriptural fact that there is only one resurrection, and it will include both believer and the unfaithful:

"Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment." (John 5:28,29).

These verses do not say the good will be resurrected at any Rapture to Heaven, nor 3 and a half to seven years later, but at the same time. The advantage of the believer is that he and she will come forth to the resurrection of life because of their good deeds. They don't receive salvation because of good deeds, but perform good deeds because they are now (and) called "sons of God." Those who committed evil deeds come to a resurrection of judgment, because they failed to accept Jesus as the "first (best)" resurrection, and thereby are condemned. Both are resurrected at the same time, and not separated by a 1000 year period of time, as theorist proclaim! To profoundly realize that believers in Jesus Christ have already experienced the "first (best)" resurrection, read the group of verses below.

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world, (John 11:17-27).

As we have repeatedly stated, the Holy Spirit opens our minds and hearts to be diligent students of God's word through much study. We cannot sit idly by and wait to see if we will hear "voices" to confirm theories: The King James Version clearly states in 2 Timothy 2:15 to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Attached here is an excerpted chapter, 'A Thousand Years' from our book, The End Times Passover, which explains this matter in greater detail:

Friday, December 06, 2013

There are writers who assert that the "rapture" promoted by evangelicals was first taught, at least seminally, by a Jesuit Catholic priest named Francisco Ribera in his 16th century commentary on the book of Revelation.

To see what is claimed, Google "Francisco Ribera taught a rapture 45 days before the end of Antichrist's future reign." (Many claimants are anti-Catholic and merely use Ribera in order to "find" much earlier support for their rapture which actually isn't found in any official Christian theology or organized church before 1830!)
After seeing this claim repeated endlessly without even one sentence from Ribera offered as proof, I decided to go over every page in Ribera's 640-page work published in Latin in 1593.

After laboriously searching for the Latin equivalent of "45 days" ("quadraginta quinque dies"), "rapture" ("raptu," "raptio," "rapiemur," etc.) and other related expressions, I couldn't find anything in Ribera's work even remotely resembling a prior rapture!

Are you curious about the real beginnings of this evangelical belief (a.k.a. the "pre-tribulation rapture") merchandised by Darby, Scofield, Lindsey, Falwell, LaHaye, Ice, Van Impe, Hagee, Markell and many others?

Google "The Unoriginal John Darby," "Pretrib Rapture Diehards," "X-Raying Margaret," "Margaret Macdonald's Rapture Chart," "Pretrib Rapture's Missing Lines," "Edward Irving is Unnerving," "Walvoord Melts Ice," "Thomas Ice (Bloopers)," "Wily Jeffrey," "Deceiving and Being Deceived" by D.M., "The Real Manuel Lacunza," "Roots of Warlike Christian Zionism," "Pretrib Rapture Secrecy," "Pretrib Rapture Politics," "Pretrib Hypocrisy," "Famous Rapture Watchers," "Pretrib Rapture Stealth" and "Pretrib Rapture Dishonesty."
My most detailed and documented book on the long hidden history of the pretrib rapture view - THE RAPTURE PLOT - can be obtained by calling 800.643-4645. I should add that many of my web articles can be found on Joe Ortiz' blogs including "End Times Passover."

Tuesday, November 05, 2013

The Jesuit-Inspired, Futurist Lie spread to America's Protestant seminaries in the early 20th century. Cyrus Ingerson Scofield (1843-1921), greatly influenced by
the writings of J. N. Darby, incorporated Futurism in the notes of his Scofield
Reference Bible. First published by Oxford University Press in 1909 (a Zionist publishing company, and paid by Rothschild agent Jacob Schiff), one
million copies were printed by 1930.

The Scofield Bible was instrumental in
firmly establishing the Jesuit inspired Futurist interpretation in the
Protestant Bible schools of the United States, which, for the most part has turned out the majority of pastors, teachers and evangelists in the last 100 years.

These seminaries and ministries listed below have wholly abandoned the historical Protestant and biblical teaching that the Roman Catholic Church is the apostate church, the harlot of Revelation, with the Antichrist papacy at its head, and instead serve to screen the papal Antichrist power from being perceived by their students or viewers. They are accurately described as false prophets! Their biggest hoax (which is the mantra of most mainstream Protestant churches) is the Pre-Tribulation Rapture to Heaven and the Israel First myth. This is why "Christianity (as we know it today) is dying on the vine and is producing no fruit!Dallas Theological Seminary (a nondenominational Protestant school): Lewis Sperry Chafer (1871-1952), a student of Cyrus Scofield, founded Evangelical Theological College (now DTS) in 1924, which is likely the most influential seminary in the United States today. Futurism, and the secret rapture (which they call the blessed hope), are covered in articles 18-20 of the DTS Full Doctrinal Statement. Some of the more well known alumni and faculty of DTS: o John Walvoord (Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology, President of Dallas Theological Seminary from 1952 to 1986, Chancellor of DTS since 1986), author of The Rapture Question (1957), and member of the revision committee for The New Scofield Reference Bible. o Chuck Swindoll (Insight for Living), President of Dallas Theological Seminary since July of 1994. o Charles C. Ryrie (Professor Emeritus Dallas Theological Seminary), author of The Ryrie Study Bible, which has been characterized as the updated Scofield Reference Bible for the end of the twentieth century. o Hal Lindsey, (hallindsey.com - hallindseyoracle.com) author of The Rapture: Truth or Consequences (1983), perhaps the best known prophecy author of the last 30 years. Sole credited Bible authority for Trinity Broadcasting's recent Futurist antichrist movie Omega Code. o J. Vernon McGee (1904-1988), Through the Bible Radio series. o Kenneth N. Taylor (former director of Moody Press, founder of Tyndale House Publishing), author of The Living Bible. Tyndale House publishes the hugely popular Left Behind Futurist series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. o Thomas Ice (Executive Director of the Pre-trib Research Center), Th.M. from DTS, co-founder of Pre-trib Research Center with Tim LaHaye. o Renald Showers, Most High God: A Commentary on the Book of Daniel. · Moody Bible Institute of Chicago: In 1890, C. I. Scofield began a Comprehensive Bible Correspondence Course, later taken over about 1914 by the Moody Bible Institute (Dwight. L. Moody, founder of the Moody Church, had converted Scofield, and Scofield preached and presided at Moody's funeral in 1899). o Moody Press supplied Sunday School lessons to the Assembly of God churches about 1914, introducing Pentecostals to Futurism and the secret rapture theory. o The Ryrie Study Bible, by Charles C. Ryrie, a graduate Dallas Theological Seminary, boasts 10,000+ study notes and is listed among the best selling books published by Moody Press. o Jerry B. Jenkins, co-author of the Left Behind series, is the former vice president for publishing of Moody Bible Institute, and former editor of Moody Magazine. Currently he is Moody Bible Institute's writer-at-large. · Western Theological Seminary (Reformed Church in America). o Alma Mater of Tim LaHaye, founder of the Pre-trib Research Center, co-author of the Left Behind series of books, by far the most popular series promoting Futurism and the secret rapture, which has sold 20+ million copies. Published by Tyndale House, at least 12 titles are planned for the series. The film version of the first book in the series has been produced by prophecy authors Peter and Paul Lalonde of Cloud Ten Pictures. Released first on video cassette, and then in theaters in early 2001, people who have seen Left Behind say it is confusing, and lacks a Gospel presentation of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, making it of little (if any) evangelistic value, much like TBN's Omega Code and Megiddo (Omega Code II). · Jack Van Impe Ministries - Author of The Jack Van Impe Prophecy Bible and a verse-by-verse commentary on the book of Revelation entitled Revelation Revealed. On his TV program, Jack claims that God Himself has shown him the error of previous Bible interpreters and given him the absolutely correct interpretation of the book of Revelation. Producer of the following futurist-themed movies: o Apocalypse I: Caught in the Eye of the Storm. o Apocalypse II: Revelation. o Apocalypse III: Tribulation. o Apocalypse IV: Judgment. · Jerry Falwell Ministries - heavily promotes the Tim LaHaye School of Bible Prophecy, which opened in January 2002 on the campus of Falwell's Liberty University. · John Hagee Ministries - Offers the John Hagee Prophecy Study Bible, billed as "the only Prophecy Study Bible of its kind", with over 300 pages of Bible Prophecy study notes and having unique Bible Prophecy charts. John Hagee has strongly promoted the Left Behind books and movie with hour long infomercial TV programs. · The King is Coming, World Prophetic Ministry, Colton, California, Ed Hindson President. Founded by Dr. Howard C. Estep (1916-1986), author of The Catching Away (1967). Committed to the literal interpretation of the Bible. Dr. Dave Breese, former President of W.P.M. and Teacher on "The King is Coming." referred to Scofield's margin notes when teaching the Futurist interpretation of Daniel's 70 weeks on The King is Coming. Contributed to the Tim LaHaye Study Bible, billed as "the most complete study Bible ever!". Tim LaHaye has been guest speaker for a series of programs on the "The King is Coming". · Grant R. Jeffrey (Prophecy Online) · Hilton Sutton World Ministries · Zola Levitt - Zola Levitt Ministries "holds to a strictly literal and inerrant Bible interpretation, salvation through Christ alone, a soon pre-tribulation Rapture of all believers and the establishment of a thousand-year kingdom on Earth." · John Ankerberg (Ankerberg Theological Research Institute), (Harbor Lighthouse) · Perry Stone (Manna Fest), Founder and President of Voice of Evangelism Ministries Inc. · Chuck Missler (Koinonia House). Questions Continue: The Great Snatch? · Dave Hunt (The Berean Call) - author of A Woman Rides the Beast, remarkably enough, teaches the secret rapture and future antichrist. · Tim LaHaye School of Prophecy - opens in January 2002 on the campus of Liberty University Lynchburg, V.A., Dr. Jerry Falwell - Chancellor. Tim LaHaye says he was impressed by the prophecy conferences of Albury Park and Powerscourt held in Britain in the 1820's and 1830's and this led directly to his co-founding the Pre-trib Research Center. Edward Irving and J. N. Darby attended, and apparently greatly influenced, these 19th century British prophecy conferences where the secret rapture and futurism gained in acceptance among Protestant prophecy scholars. Well known ministries teaching Futurism and the Secret Rapture: · Trinity Broadcasting - perhaps the largest Christian TV Broadcasting Network, TBN has produced two futurist themed movies: Omega Code and Megiddo (Omega Code II). TBN also airs the following movies with end-times, secret rapture / futurism themes: The Moment After - TMA Productions. Two FBI agents investigate the reason for the sudden mysterious disappearance of millions of people. The Gathering - DRC Productions. Two unbelieving women and a believing husband have disturbing visions of the impending tribulation and sudden rapture of Christians. End of the Harvest - Christiano Film Group. A college student, who experiences strange dreams of a farmer harvesting wheat, reluctantly defends end-time Bible prophecy when another student fails to give the presentation to a group of die-hard atheists in a philosophy club. Subtly promotes spiritualism (communications from the dead).For information about this author's two books, which biblically refute all premillennial dispensationalism theories, Pre-Tribulation Rapture to Heaven myths, and Israel First dogma, click on Link to Joe Ortiz blogs and web sites

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Many people are suffering much physical pain nowadays.
Some of it due to a disease (such as cancer, Lupus, Parkinson's, etc), many
from old and current injuries such as playing sports, accidents and
work-related injuries, and some, simply due to past peccadilloes (such as
drinking and using drugs, illicit sex), and other nefarious activities: God
shall not be mocked, whatever a man soweth, he also shall reap, (Galatians
6:7). Some people suffer from none of
these causations, but merely suffer because
their faith is being tested, as we read in the Book of Job, or, as is defined
in 1 Peter 1:7.

None of us truly knows why we suffer physical pain,
most people chalk it up to old age, especially if your over 50 years of age. It
could well be a combination of all of the above. Today's medical community has
the technology to identify all of the above mentioned symptoms, but they can't
really pinpoint where (or why) they originated to begin with.

Regardless, whether it's attributable to one, two,
three or all of these actions, we need to accept this as a positive action
allowed by God, and realize that the main consequences of experiencing pain (in
many cases great and excruciating pain) is that they are leading us to a complete and sinless life. Is there a
better way to enter the next phase of our journey with Christ?

1
For as much then as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves
likewise with the same mind: for he that has suffered in the flesh has ceased
from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to
the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3 For the time past of our life may
suffice us to have worked the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in
lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, reveling, parties, and abominable idolatries, (
1 Peter 4:1-3)

Romans 6:7, because
anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Ephesians 6:13, Therefore put
on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able
to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

1 Peter 2:21, To
this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example,
that you should follow in his steps.

1 Peter 3:18, For
Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring
you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.

Matthew 5:12
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same
way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Romans 5:3 Not
only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering
produces perseverance;

James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test,
that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those
who love him.

James 5:11you
know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's
perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is
full of compassion and mercy.

1 Peter 1:6 In
all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to
suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

Suffering
as Christians

1 Peter 4:12-14 Beloved,
think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though
some strange thing happened to you: 13But rejoice, inasmuch as you are
partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you
may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14If you be reproached for the name of
Christ, happy are you; for the spirit of glory and of God rests on you: on
their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

Luke 17:30
"It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed.

Romans 8:17 Now
if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ,
if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his
glory.

Romans 8:18I consider that our present sufferings are not
worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

2
Corinthians 1:5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so
also our comfort abounds through Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:10
We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of
Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

Philippians 3:10
I want to know Christ--yes, to know the power of his resurrection and
participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

2 Timothy 2:12 if
we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown
us;

1 Peter 1:5 who
through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation
that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Peter 1:7 These
have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith--of greater worth than
gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may result in praise, glory
and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 2:21 To
this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example,
that you should follow in his steps.

1 Peter 5:1 To
the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's
sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

Jude 1:24 To him
who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious
presence without fault and with great joy--

Evangelist and theologian John Piper in his great video
soliloquy has best presented a sermon that speaks directly to the heart of
this issue, which probably over 90% of Christians who have seen it squirmed in
their chairs as Piper pushed the button of uncomfortability that has long and
sorely been missing and needed by today's church.

How about you? Do you believe your walk with Jesus
should be filled solely with joy, happiness, great health and an overly abundant
life?

[For more information about the author and his books, please click on Joe
Ortiz.]

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Nearly one tenth (700,000) of Israel’s Jewish population packed the streets of Jerusalem last week to mourn the passing of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, Sephardic founder of Israel’s Ultra-Orthodox Shas party. He is considered by many Jews to be the greatest Talmudic authority of our time. The big Jewish media has virtually ignored the ever-widening scandal of Talmudic rabbis and authority figures raping and sexually abusing adolescent Jewish boys and girls. In contrast, they have given lavish attention and praise to Rabbi Yosef.So did Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “The Jewish people have lost one of the wisest men of this generation. Rabbi Ovadia was a giant in Torah and Jewish law and a teacher for tens of thousands.”But what did the rabbi think about us Gentiles and Christians? Here are some quotes from articles I have written that included mention of him.

For centuries, critics of modern Judaism’s most sacred Scriptures, the Talmud and Zohar (Kabbalah), have charged that Gentiles are viewed by Talmudic Judaism as beasts of burden meant to serve Jews. The world has dismissed these critics as “anti-Semites.” Society and most Christians have unquestioningly accepted the official Jewish claim that the "exalted ethics of Judaism" exclude such bigoted racism.

Israeli Sephardic leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef said that non-Jews exist to serve Jews, in his weeklySaturdaynight sermon. “Goyim were born only to serve us. Without that, they have no place in the world; only to serve the People of Israel…Why are gentiles needed? They will work, they will plow, they will reap. We will sit like an effendi [Arabic, meaning lord or master] and eat,” he said to some laughter.

Yosef, the spiritual head of the Shas party and the former chief Sephardic rabbi of Israel also said that non-Jews are protected in order to prevent financial loss to Jews.

“With gentiles, it will be like any person: They need to die, but God will give them longevity. Why? Imagine that one’s donkey would die, they’d lose their money. This is his servant. That’s why he gets a long life, to work well for this Jew." (SeeTop Rabbi: 'Gentiles Exist to Serve Jews')

For centuries in polite society, it has been considered anti-Jewish to tell what Judaism’s Talmud and Kabbalah plainly and repeatedly teach—that pious Jews have a duty to kill or assist the deaths of Gentiles, especially those who resist the goals of Judaism.

Increasingly today, dozens of ultra-Orthodox rabbis in Israel, even members of Knesset, boldly assert that killing Palestinian Gentiles, even their babies, must be upheld as divine law. Yet a recent sermon by a powerful Israeli rabbi wanted even more—the deaths of everyone worldwide who opposes Israel. “May our enemies and haters end. Abu Mazen [Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas] and all these evil people should perish from this earth. God should strike them and these Palestinians—evil haters of Israel—with a plague."

Rabbi Ovadia Yosef founded the Shas party which is part of the prime minister’s coalition government. ABC News calls him “the spiritual leader of one of Israel’s leading parties.”

Yosef’s ruthless words didn’t only target Arabs, but anyone around the world who criticizes Zionism. "May all the nasty people who hate Israel vanish from our world,” he said, “May God strike them down with the plague, along with all Palestinians who persecute Israel." (SeeThe Talmud: Scalpel That Bleeds the Mideast)

How should such wrath descend upon Gentiles and Christians? From heaven? No, the Talmud and the Zohar teach that the Jewish people are the visible manifestation of God's will upon earth, the active instrument of His plan to "repair" a world especially brought into chaos by the "idolatry" and "polytheism" of Christianity. Only when Christian "idolaters" are exterminated, the Zohar says, will "proper order" be restored. Only then can the Great Harlot Israel, her garments soaked in the blood of the martyrs of Jesus, "sit like an effendi," according to Rabbi Yosef, and fully enjoy her predestined rulership of the nations. (See'Babylon the Great' is Israel)

Christians, like Palestinians, are considered Amalekites and in the crosshairs of Talmudic/Kabbalistic homicidal anger.

Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, spiritual head of Israel’s Shahs party, argued in a 1989 article that even though Israel is not strong enough yet to expel and destroy “churches [which] are definitely places of idolatry and cult practice…we are commanded by our [religious] law to destroy all idolatry and its servants (emphasis mine) until we uproot it from all parts of our land and any areas that we are able to conquer.”

Did you catch that? Since Talmudic Judaism considers Christians idolaters of the false god Jesus, the rabbi is teaching that if things were as they one day shall be all Christian “idolaters” should be killed worldwide!

Ha’aretz's recent article about the savage beating of two Arab youths by a mob of Israeli teenagers claims that more and more Israelis now view violence as a solution to the Arab problem. Violence in Israel is not just a backlash against Arab rocket attacks and suicide bombings; it is sanctioned by the greatest legal and moral authorities of modern Judaism and Israel : the Talmud and its mystical-revolutionary companion, the Zohar. (SeeIsraelis Attack 'Amalekites' - With Baseball Bats!)

"No less a figure than Professor Yehoshaphat Harkabi, former head of Israeli military intelligence, has revealed the facts surrounding Israel’s official burning of the gospels so cherished by all Christians...General Harkabi writes: ‘Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, who is considered to be a moderate. . .(in 1979) issued a ruling that copies of the New Testament should be burned. This ruling did not remain a dead letter. An item in the newspaper Ma ‘ariv (14 June 1985) reported the burning of a copy of the New Testament found in the library of the Chief Educational officer of the Israeli army…’” (Encyclopedia of the Palestine Problem, by Issa Nakhleh, p. 395) (SeeChristians in Israel: An Endangered Species)

President Shimon Peressaid he had been at the rabbi’s bedsidehours before his death. “When I pressed his hand, I felt I was touching history…. and when I kissed his head, it was as if I kissed the very greatness of Israel.”Yes, Mr. Peres, Rabbi Yosef does indeed embody the essence of Israel, Zionism and Jewish supremacism. He did so in ruthless determination to believe:

“Goyim were born only to serve us.”

“May all the nasty people who hate Israel vanish from the world.”

“We are commanded by our [religious] law to destroy all idolatry and its servants [Christians] until we uproot it from all parts of our land and any areas we are able to conquer.”

And that all copies of the New Testament should be burned.

I couldn’t have described the essence of the Christian- and Arab-persecuting rogue state of Israel any better.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rev. Ted Pike is director of the National Prayer Network, a Christian/conservative watchdog organization.

Monday, September 30, 2013

"Strictly speaking, it is incorrect to call an ancient Israelite a "Jew" or to call a contemporary Jew an "Israelite" or a "Hebrew." The first Hebrews may not have been Jews at all," The Jewish Almanac (1980)

Many people suffer under the misapprehension that Jesus was a "Jew," moreover, that he was "King of the Jews." Thus, by inference, that the "Jews" were the "Chosen People" of the Holy Bible and so ancient possessors and modern inheritors of the Bible Covenants gifted by Yahweh to their forebears Abraham, Jacob and Judah. However, this is not the case. In fact, during Christ's Mission and Passion no such people existed called "Jews" nor indeed did the word "Jew." In short: Jesus was NOT a "Jew" nor was he "King of the Jews."

In fact, Jesus is referred as a "Jew" for the first time in the New Testament in the 18th century; in the revised 18th century English language editions of the 14th century first English translations of the New Testament. The etymology of the word "Jew" is quit clear. Although "Jew" is a modern conception its roots lie in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. That is, the modern English word "Jew" is the 18th century contraction and corruption of the 4th century Latin "Iudaeus" found in St. Jerome'sVulgate Edition and derived from the Greek word "Ioudaios." The evolution of this can easily be seen in the extant manuscripts from the 4th century to the 18th century, which illustrate not only the origin of the word "Jew" found in the Latin word "Iudaeus" but also its current use in the English language. Littered throughout these manuscripts are the many earlier English equivalents used by various chroniclers between the 4th and the 18th century. Thus, from the Latin "Iudaeus" to the English "Jew" the evolution of these English forms is: "Gyu," "Giu," "Iu," "Iuu," "Iuw," "Ieuu," "Ieuy," "Iwe," "Iow," "Iewe," "Ieue," "Iue," "Ive," "Iew," and then, finally, the 18th century, "Jew." Similarly, the evolution of the English equivalents for "Jews" is: "Giwis," "Giws," "Gyues," "Gywes," "Giwes," "Geus," "Iuys," "Iows," "Iouis," "Iews," and then, finally, in the 18th century, "Jews."

For example: two of the best known 18th century editions of the New Testament in English are theRheims (Douai) Edition and the King James Authorized Edition and both contain the word word "Jew."Yet, when the English language version of the Rheims (Douai) New Testament was first printed in 1582 the word "Jew" did NOT appear in it. Similarly the King James Authorized translation of the New Testament into English (begun in 1604) and first published in 1611, here too the word "Jew" did NOT appear. That is, the word "Jew" first appeared in both these well known editions in their 18th century revised versions. The combination of the Protestant Reformation, the publication of the revised English language 18th century editions and the printing press (allowing unlimited quantities of the New Testament to be printed) meant the wide distribution of these English language Bibles throughout the English speaking world. That is, among people who had never possessed a copy of the New Testament in any language but who were now in possession of one in their native tongue. And, although these 18th century editions first introduced the word "Jew" to the English language the word as it was used in these has since continued in use in all the editions of the New Testament in the English language.

Numerous copies of these revised 18th century English editions ( especially the Rheims (Douai) and the King James translations of the New Testament) were distributed to the clergy and the laity throughout the English speaking world. And so, the new readers of these 18th century editions were introduced to a new word both to them and the English language, the word "Jew." For, these readers did not know the history of the origin of the English word "Jew" and accepted it as the legitimate modern form of the ancient Greek "Ioudaios" and the Latin "Iudaeus." Thus, these new readers did not understand or care to question the meaning and use of the word "Jew" since it was a new English word to them. Consequently, the use of the word "Jew" was not only stabilised by these 18th century editions but also its anachronistic application to people and places fully established.

The original chroniclers used the Greek "Ioudaios" to denote people who lived in Judaea, that is, in English, for "Judaeans." Thus: "Ioudaia" in Greek is, in English, "Judaea" ( or "Judea") while "Ioudaios"in Greek is, in English, "Judaeans" (or "Judeans") Moreover, when the word "Jew" was first introduced by the redactors into the English language in the 18th century they intended its one and only application was to denote "Judaeans" (or "Judeans"). That is, they deemed them cognates (conveying identical implications, inferences and innuendoes) and so interchangeable. Thus, they meant that it makes no difference which of these two words is used when referring to the inhabitants of Judea during the time of Christ's Mission. However, since this time the implications, inferences, and innuendoes conveyed by these two words have radically changed and are now as different as black is from white. In short: today, the word "Jew" is never regarded as a synonym for "Judaean" (or"Judean") nor is "Judaean" regarded as a synonym for "Jew." The word has taken on a far different meaning, one wholly divorced from the original conception of the 18th century redactors.

This is its "secondary meaning" that has been carefully nurtured among the English speaking peoples of the world by a secret power intent upon exploiting its ancient power of association. This so-called"secondary meaning" for the word "Jew" has been assiduously cultivated during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries and bears no relation whatsoever to the 18th century original connotation of the word"Jew." It has succeeded to such a degree, that now most people in the English-speaking world can not comprehend the true nature of the word "Jew," its literal sense, and do not regard a "Jew" as a"Judaean." That is, understand the correct and only meaning of the word known to the 18th century redactors of the New Testament. In short: the word "Jew" in modern usage is a misrepresentation. The etymology of the word "Jew," first used in the revised 18th century English language editions of the New Testament, is uncomplicated: the original Greek word "Ioudaios" was derived from the Aramaic "Jehudhai," which referred to Judaeans, the residents of the Babylonian province of Judaea, and not as a reference to members of the tribe of Judah. That is, the modern English word "Jew" is a transliteration of an abbreviation or slang word coined by Babylonian conquerors for the enslaved Judaeans without any due regard to the race or religion of the captives. This indiscriminate use of the word "Jew" to refer to the diverse mass of races and religions then resident in Judaea is the application of an incorrect, modern colloquial idiom without regard or recognition of the true and Biblical meaning of the original words.

"The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be." (Gen. 49:10)

The meaning of the word "Jew" in the Bible is not the same as the commonly held modern view. In the Bible the word "Jew" is meant to refer to a resident of the land of Judaea. Moreover, it is a reference regardless of tribe, race or religion. Anyone who was an inhabitant of Judaea was a "Jew" and need not be a member of the tribe of Judah (Judahite) or one who followed the Judaic religion. Thus,"Jews" and "Jewry" in the Bible not only refer Judah (i.e. Jehudah or Juttah) but also a part of (or place in) Palestine and any other peoples who dwelt there. In the modern, colloquial idiom "Jews" are descendants of Judah while in the Bible it means anyone dwelling in Judaea regardless of lineage or ethnicity. Now, Judah was the largest and the most influential of the Twelve Tribes of Israel with the governing right whose sons where to provide the rightful kings of Israel. That is, they were the inheritors of the Bible Covenants but especially the Davidic Covenant. In short; the Chosen People of Yahweh. However, Jacob prophesied (Gen. 49:10) the tribe would only maintain its pre-eminence until"Shiloh," came who would then assume headship and receive the allegiance of true spiritual Israel as Isaiah 9:6-7 foretold. That is, when the Messiah arrived. This is why Jesus' lineage was established in Matthew 1 and Luke 3 to David, Judah, Jacob and Abraham. So that when He took the sceptre from Judah all who receive Him as Messiah give Him their allegiance.

At the time of Christ's Mission, in the days of His flesh, few of the citizens of Judaea were Judahites, that is, direct descendants of Judah and so the "Chosen People"; the true recipients of the Bible Covenants. Following the destruction of David's Kingdom (its dismemberment first by Babylonians and then by Assyrian's) the forced depopulation of Israel and its people in Exile and bondage, their release by Cyrus the Great and their return and restoration of the Temple, the population of Palestine was very mixed. Although some did indeed belonged to the tribe of Judah and others to one of the other tribes of Israel, many others were descendants of other patriarchs, but, especially, of Esau. These were the Edomites who had been conquered and now assimilated and become co-religionists with the Judahites and remnants of the other tribes of Israel. Moreover, this mixed race were melded together by a hybrid religion developed during the captivity in Babylon. This is the religion of the Pharisee .... Pharisaism ... the man-made religion of the Talmud that is today called Judaism. This man-centred, man-made religion was the religion vehemently condemned by Christ since it is the antithesis of the Mosaic Law and the prophets and makes the Word of God of no effect (Matt. 15:1-9).

"After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for He would not walk in JEWRY, because the JEWS sought to kill Him."(John 7:1)

Here, the English word "Jewry" was translated from the Greek word "Ioudaia", which denoted the land of Judaea. This was acknowledged by modern redactors who chose not to use the word "Jewry" but the correct translation "Judaea." For example, in the New American Standard Bible:
"And after these things Jesus was walking in Galilee; for He was unwilling to walk in JUDAEA, because the JEWS were seeking to kill Him."(John 7:1)

Thus, Christ was unwilling to walk in Judaea – Jewry - because the Jews - the Judaeans - were seeking to kill Him. That is: Judaea = Jewry and Jews = Judaeans. A Jew is properly a Judaean and Jewry properly Judaea.

A modern misconception is that "the Jews" are direct descendants of Jacob and so the people of Israel, the true, biblical Israelites. However, by the time of Jesus, because of wars, enslavement, migrations and miscegenation, a Jew may or may not have descended from Jacob. He could have been descended from a number of patriarchs, especially Esau, since Edomites were then dominant in the racial mix. However, although a disparate racial mix the Jews by this time all recognised Pharisaism as their personal and state religion and NOT the Law of Moses. And so, a point of uttermost importance: someone who is called a "Jew" in the Bible is not necessarily a member of the tribe of Judah, a true Israelite, or even a Semite nor are they an essential part of the Yahweh's Chosen People, a follower of Moses and the prophets. In the Bible, a Jew is simply a resident of Judaea .... he is simply a Judaean ... with or without the special status arising from blood of the Covenant People. Yet, this fact of historical identity has been subverted by a secret force whose aim is to use the ancient yet special status of the true biblical Covenant People, the true Chosen People of Yahweh, for their own very dark designs. That is why this incredibly well organised and well-financed secret force created a "secondary meaning" for the new word "Jew," which is not the understanding intended by the 18th century redactors of the New Testament. That is, those who today call themselves Jews and arrogate the special status as God's Chosen People and all its privileges by claiming to be direct descendants of the tribes of Israel and of David, Judah, Jacob and Abraham. Millions claim this yet few of them are "Jews" in the proper sense as they are not "Judaeans" or residents of Judaea. That is: the so-called modern day Jews - the Modern Tribe of Jews - are not "the Jews" of the Bible. In other words, the Modern Tribe of Jews claiming the territory in Palestine that was Once the Holy Land are not the biblical Jews, they are not the true biblical Covenant People: they are not "returning" to their "Promised Land" because they were never there in the first place ...

Introduction to the word JEW in the Hebrew Bible

When, in 1604, James VI, King of Scotland became King James I of England, the first ruler of Great Britain and Ireland, he ruled a nation in religious and political turmoil. And, when a leading Puritan spokesman, Dr John Reynolds, proposed that a new English Bible be issued in honour of the new king, James, saw this as an opportunity to bring about a unity with the church service in Presbyterian Scotland and Episcopal England. The redaction began in 1604 and was completed and published in 1611 and this the new English Bible became known as the "Authorised Version" because its making was authorised by King James. This "Authorised Version" became the "Official Bible of England" and the only Bible of the Anglican church. There have been several revisions of the King James Bible in 1615, 1629, 1638, 1762 and 1769 with the most substantive changes occurring in the eighteenth century. Then, Dr Thomas Paris (1762) published an extensive revision at Cambridge while Dr Benjamin Blayney did the same at Oxford (1769). Blayney's redactions included much modernisation of spelling, punctuation, and expression, but, in which the exact words in the 1611 Bible first edition are used. It is this 1769 update by Blayney that is the basis of the modern King James Bible. Also, since 1885, 14 books representing the Apocrypha were "officially" removed from it. These Apocryphal books were included at the insistence of the king and, unlike the Rheims-Douai and other Roman Catholic Bibles that scattered them throughout the Old Testament, were placed between the Testaments.

Consequently, any modern, so-called "1611 Authorised King James Version" available today is NOT a facsimile of the original 1611 "Authorised Version" but a copy of the 1769 revision. Even those editions that may even proclaim "1611" in the frontispiece to promote sales are deceptions, for, they too are simply modern print runs of the Blayney's 1769 edition. These are editions in which the original text and words of the "1611 Authorised King James Version" have been altered with spellings revised and some words changed in almost every printing done since 1769 and, also, with fourteen entire books plus extra prefatory features removed from almost every printing done since 1885. To get an original, un-redacted "1611 Authorised King James Version" is more problematic and far more expensive. Originals are rare and eminently collectible and fetch huge prices while facsimiles and exact photographic facsimile edition are less exorbitant but still expensive.

There are 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet and not now nor was there ever an equivalent letter "J"; nor is there any Hebrew letter that carries even an approximate sound of the consonant letter "J." Furthermore, there is not a letter "J" in the Greek alphabet. In fact, although the letter "J" is firmly established as the tenth letter and seventh consonant in the English alphabet it is a recent addition to the English script. It was inserted in the alphabet after "I," from which it was developed and credited to Petrus Ramus (1515-1572) who first distinguish "I" and "J" as representing separate sounds. John 19:19 refers to the inscription Pontius Pilate had posted over Jesus' cross that in the Greek is "Ieous Nazoraios Basilius Ioudaios," which in modern Bibles is rendered: "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" In the fourth century, Jerome translated the Bible from the Greek into Latin and his treatment of this verse in the Latin Vulgate was: "Iesus Nazerenus Rex Iudaeorum." The acronym of this verse used on Catholic statues, icons and imagery is "INRI" .... because there was no "J." TheWiclif, Wickliff or Wycliffe Edition published in 1380 is the earliest version of the New Testament in English from the Latin Vulgate Edition and in it Jesus is there mentioned as One of the "iewes." That is, the 14th century middle English version of the Latin "Iudaeus" pronounced "hew-weeze," in the plural, and "iewe" pronounced "hew-wee" in the singular.

It was not until the middle of the 17th century that the use of "J" as an initial found common usage in English books. As such, all writers before this time were wholly ignorant of the letter "J." For instance, William Shakespeare never ever saw the word "Jew" never mind used the word in any of his works. In the Merchant of Venice first published in about 1600, Shakespeare wrote: "what is the reason? I am a Iewe; hath not a Iewe eyes?" Even the great lexicographer, Samuel Johnson, was unusually ambivalent in his use of the "J" letter, for, in his seminal English Dictionary of 1755 and 1756 words beginning with ancient "I" and the new letter "J" are interspersed. Moreover, although he defines "To Judaize" as "To conform to the manner of the Jews" in both editions he finds no room to list the word "Jew." The 1933 edition of The Oxford English Dictionary is helpful in this respect and lists the first published usage of the word "Jew." In 1653, by Greaves in his "Seraglio," 150. "In the King's Seraglio, the sultanas are permitted to employ divers Jewes-women about their ordinary occasions." By Sheridan in 1775 in his play "The Rivals," Act II, Scene I: "She shall have a skin like a mummy, and the beard of a Jew." And in 1700 by Bishop Patrick in his Commentary on Deuteronomy 28:37: "Better we cannot express the most cut-throat dealing, than thus, you use me like a Jew".

The 1841 English Hexapla is a compendium of six English translations of the New Testament, which are: the Wycliffe version of 1380 (the first English Scripture, hand-copied prior to Gutenberg's invention of the printing press in 1455), The Tyndale version of 1534-1536 (the first English printed Scripture), and Cranmer's Great Bible of 1539 (the first Authorized English Bible); The Geneva "1557"(the English Bible of the Protestant Reformation); the Rheims (the first Roman Catholic English version of 1582); and the King James First Edition of 1611. In the Wycliffe version John 19.19 reads:"ihesus of Nazareth kyng of the iewes." Similarly, in the Tyndale Edition of the New Testament published in 1525 Jesus was likewise described as One of the "Iewes." Likewise, in the Cranmer Edition Jesus was again described as One of the "Iewes;" in the Geneva Edition Jesus was also described as One of the "Iewes." In the Rheims Edition Jesus was described as One of the "Ievves"; and in the King James Edition, also known as the Authorised Version, Jesus was described again as one of the "Iewes." That is, the word "Jew" does not appear in any of these Bibles. First references to Jesus as a so-called "Jew" (which He was most definitely not) are found in the 18th century redactions of the 14th century English editions of the New Testament. The first Bible in which the word "Jew"first appears is the 1729 Daniel Mace New Testament in Romans 2:13 – 3:21. Afterwards in 1750 in the Douai, the Catholic English Bible newly revised and corrected by Richard Challoner using the 1609 translation of the Latin Vulgate. In 1755 by John Wesley in his "New Testament with Explanatory Notes." Benjamin Blayney's 1769 modernised version of the 1611 edition of the Authorised King James Bible. And, in John Worsley's 1770 "New Testament or New Covenant of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" with notes as translated from the Greek.

The evolution of the Holy Bible – the story of how the Bible arrived to us in its present form – is testament to the working of Higher Hidden Hands in the historical process. How the revealed Word of God was preserved in the original languages of Hebrew and Greek and transmitted into the modern world via Latin from which it was released into common possession by its translation into the English language by John Wycliffe and others during the Great Reformation.

First time the word Jew was used in the Bible:

"At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day" 2 Kings 16:6

The word "Jew" is a relatively modern invention used, seemingly indiscriminately and interchangeably, by 18th century redactors to describe Israelites, Judahites and Judaeans. It first appeared in these eighteenth century Bibles and it first appears within these redactions in 2 Kings 16:6 .... in an episode that describes a war between Israel and Judah: when Rezin, king of Syria and Pekah, king of Israel went to war with wicked Ahaz, king of Judah. The Syrians "drave the Jews from Elath" who were in possession of it and so here is the first time that the inhabitants of the kingdom of Judah are called "Jews" when more properly they should be called Judahites. However, the point here is this: the very first time the word "Jew" is found in the modern Bible, they are at war with Israel.

"And Jehovah said to her [Rebekah] Two nations are in your womb, and two kinds of people shall be separated from your bowels. And the one people shall be stronger than the other people, the older [Esau] shall serve the younger [Jacob]" (Gen. 25:23)

"They [the Edomites] were hereafter no other than [non-Israelite] Jews." Flavius Josephus, The Antiquities of the Jews Book XIII, Chapter IX, Verse 1, p. 279

"In the days of John Hyrcanus [end of the second century BC] … the [non-Israelite] Edomites became a section of the Jewish people." Article entitled "EDOM," Encyclopaedia Judaica Vol. 6, p. 378 (1971)

"From then on they [the non-Israelite Edomites] constituted a part of the Jewish people, Herod [King of Judea] being one of their descendants" Article entitled "EDOM (Idumea)," The New Standard Jewish Encyclopedia p. 589 (1977)

The Edomites are descendants of Esau ("hairy, rough"), the eldest son of Isaac, and twin brother of Jacob, whose singular appearance at birth originated the name (Gen 25:25). Also, he was given the name of Edom ("red") from his conduct in connection with the red lentil "pottage" for which he sold his birthright (Gen. 25:30, Gen. 25:31).

Esau was much loved by his father and was, because he was first-born, his heir but was tricked into selling his birthright to his younger brother, Jacob, with the help of his mother, for a meal of red lentil pottage. Esau lost his father's birthright and his paternal blessing due to Jacob's subterfuge and thus raised the anger of Esau, who vows vengeance (Gen. 25:29-34; 27:1-41). Yahweh thereafter called Esau, "Edom" and the country subsequently settled by Esau/Edom and his brood was"the country of Edom" (Gen 32:3). Jacob, the grandson of Abraham and Sarah, the son of Isaac and Rebecca, is the ancestor of the Israelites. Later, Yahweh told Jacob that his name was no longer Jacob, but henceforth, Israel (Gen. 32:22-32; Gen. 35:10). Jacob's twelve sons were the ancestors of the Twelve Tribes of Israel and their descendants are described as the Twelve Tribes of Israel originally identified by the names of the twelve sons of Jacob: the Patriarchs Joseph, Judah, Issachar, Benjamin, Levi, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Simeon, Dan, Zebulun, Reuben. Later, Joseph's two sons, his eldest, Manasseh and his second son, Ephraim, were adopted by Jacob as his own and so those two tribes replaced Joseph and Levi among the Twelve of Israel. The patriarch Judah was the fourth son born to Jacob (Gen 29:35).

The Edomites were thus the progeny of Esau, whose name was Edom, so called from the red lentil pottage he sold his birthright for to his brother Jacob (later, at Yahweh's behest, called Israel). These Edomites were also separate from the Twelve Tribes of Israel and so were not true Israelites. They lived separately in a different land nurturing an enmity originating with their patriarch, Esau/Edom for Jacob/Israel and his descendants: a hatred born of a deep sense of injustice and betrayal that birthright and grace had been arrogated by trickery. Edom's violence against Israel (Jacob) was so intense not only due to a sense of betrayal but also because they both came from the same parents (Isaac and Rebekah); in fact, this great and enduring enmity began in Rebekah's womb, continued as the boys grew to manhood and endured until today in the phenomenon of the struggle of nations. Moreover, because of this enduring bitterness and jealousy, Esau would have destroyed Jacob had Yahweh not intervened

Ezekiel 35:1-15 describes Yahweh's judgement on, and devastation of, Edom who exulted over Israel's humiliation, who was their most bitter foe, and who "had a perpetual hatred to them, to the very name of an Israelite." Esau/Edom in his hate and anger pursued "his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever." (Amos 1:11). Hence, the Edomites' "perpetual hatred" and "wrath forever" toward Israelites. That is, this seminal struggle of nations, which began in Rebekah's womb, endures today in the modern-day descendants of Israel (Jacob) and Edom (Esau) .... a great struggle between the Israelites and the Edomites.

The Edomites lived and prospered in a land separate from Israel but were later attacked and defeated by Saul (1 Sam. 14:47) and some forty years later, by David (2 Sam. 8:13-14). Later, in the reign of Jehosaphat, (c 914 BC), the Edomites attempted to invade Israel, but failed (2 Chron. 20:22). They later joined with Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Chaldea, in his invasion of Judaea, the Judaean kingdom of the Two Tribes, and helped in his destruction of Jerusalem as well as the subsequent deportation of the Judaeans to Babylonia (c 630-562 BC). The terrible cruelty displayed by the Edomites at this time provoked fearful denunciations by the later prophets (Isa 34:5-8; Isa 63:1-4; Jer 49:17). Afterwards, the Edomites invaded and held possession of the south of Palestine but they eventually fell under the growing Chaldean power (Jer 27:3, Jer 27:6). The Edomites were thus Semites since they are closely related in blood and in language to the Israelites but they had no claim on the unique Bible Covenant and Birthright Promises gifted by Yahweh to Abraham, then to Jacob/Israel and then to his descendants. However, for more than four centuries, the Edomites continued to prosper but during the warlike rule of the Maccabeans, they were again completely subdued, and even forced to conform to Jewish laws and rites, and submit to the government of Jewish prefects. Here, at this time, the Edomites become incorporated within the resurgent Judaean kingdom.

Edomites are therefore descended from Edom (Esau) whose descendants later intermarried with the Turks to produce aTurco-Edomite mixture which later became known as Khazars. That is, most of today's Jews are descendants of this interbreeding that produced a race called Khazars who had once governed an empire called Khazaria. Furthermore, this hybrid race Edomite/Turk/Khazar who created the Khazar kingdom and who between the seventh and ninth centuries AD, adopted the religion of Judaism. And, it is these Khazar Jews who are the ancestors of the vast majority of today's Jewish people. That is, Edomite/Turk /Khazars are the ancestors of the modern "Jews" including the Torah-true and Zionist Jews who spuriously claim right to the land of Palestine claiming it is theirs by biblical demands and ancestral rights.

Consequently, the majority of today's Jewish people are known as "Jews" not because they are Judahites and descended from Jacob/Israel but because their Edomite/Turk/Khazar ancestors in their Kingdom of Khazaria adopted the religion of Judaism, called themselves "Jews" and arrogated the Birthright Promises and Bible Covenants belonging to the Israelites, but especially those belonging to the Judahites.

Thus, "Jews" are not Israelites and certainly they are not Judahites. Hence, modern Jews are not heir to the Bible Covenants nor to the ancient Nation of Israel given by Yahweh to the Israelites and the Judahites and so have no Divine Right or biblical mandate to the modern Land of Palestine.

Similarly, Jesus of Nazareth was not a "Jew" he was a Judahite, and Jesus Christ was not "King of the Jews."

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The End Times Passover

Joe Ortiz has the distinction of being the first Mexican American in US history to conduct a talk show on an English-language, commercial radio station. He began his broadcasting career in 1971 at KABC TALK RADIO 790 AM in the highly competitive Los Angeles media market. He went on to become an award-winning broadcaster, news reporter and newspaper columnist in Los Angeles for over 30 years. Semi-retired, he promotes his three books on theology, is the President of the "Official Tom Flores Fan Club" and manages several blogs and web sites, and his public relations consulting company at Joe Ortiz Associates ~